Nara City, Japan: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know that Nara’s 1,200 free-roaming deer have been considered divine messengers of the gods for over 1,300 years? These sacred animals even bow to visitors in exchange for special crackers! As Japan’s first permanent capital, Nara offers an unparalleled glimpse into the nation’s ancient heritage, with eight UNESCO World Heritage sites packed into this compact city. Just a short trip from Kyoto or Osaka, Nara welcomes over 3 million international visitors annually who come to experience its perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural treasures, and those famously polite deer.

Getting to Nara

Reaching Nara is remarkably convenient, especially if you’re already exploring the Kansai region. The city is well-connected to major transportation hubs, making it perfect for a day trip or longer stay.

When to Visit Nara

Nara is beautiful year-round, but certain seasons offer unique experiences that might align better with your travel preferences.

Spring brings cherry blossoms to Nara Park, creating magical scenes with deer and ancient architecture

Getting Around Nara

Most of Nara’s major attractions are conveniently clustered on the eastern side of the city, making it easy to explore on foot. The compact nature of the main sightseeing area means you can walk between most attractions without needing public transportation.

Map of Nara’s main attractions showing walking distances between sites

Top Attractions in Nara

Nara boasts an impressive concentration of cultural and historical treasures. Here are the must-see attractions that should be on every visitor’s itinerary.

Todai-ji Temple and the Great Buddha

The magnificent Great Buddha (Daibutsu) at Todai-ji Temple stands nearly 15 meters tall

Todai-ji Temple is home to one of Japan’s most iconic sights: the Daibutsu (Great Buddha), a 15-meter tall bronze statue that has inspired awe since its completion in 752 CE. The Buddha sits within the Daibutsu-den (Great Buddha Hall), which, despite being rebuilt at two-thirds its original size in 1709, remains one of the world’s largest wooden buildings.

Don’t miss the famous pillar with a hole at its base that’s said to be the same size as the Buddha’s nostril. Legend has it that those who can squeeze through will be granted enlightenment in their next life. The impressive Nandaimon Gate, with its two fierce guardian statues, marks the entrance to the temple complex.

Nara Park and the Sacred Deer

Nara’s friendly deer have learned to bow to visitors in exchange for special deer crackers

Nara Park is a sprawling green space covering over 500 hectares where more than 1,200 wild sika deer roam freely. Considered divine messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion, these deer have become the symbol of Nara. Vendors throughout the park sell special deer crackers (shika senbei) for ¥150, allowing visitors to feed these sacred animals.

The deer have famously learned to bow to visitors in exchange for food, creating a unique photo opportunity. While generally friendly, remember that these are still wild animals and can become aggressive when seeking food, so keep your distance if needed and secure any loose belongings.

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Hundreds of stone lanterns line the atmospheric approach to Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Founded in 768 CE, Kasuga Taisha is Nara’s most celebrated Shinto shrine. The approach to the shrine is lined with thousands of stone lanterns donated by worshippers over the centuries. The main buildings feature distinctive vermilion pillars and white walls, creating a striking contrast against the surrounding forest.

Twice yearly, during the Setsubun Mantoro (February) and Obon Mantoro (August) festivals, all 3,000 lanterns are lit simultaneously, creating a magical atmosphere. The shrine’s botanical garden, Kasuga Taisha Shinen Manyo, features plants mentioned in ancient Japanese poetry.

Kofuku-ji Temple

The iconic five-story pagoda of Kofuku-ji Temple is one of Nara’s most recognizable landmarks

Founded in 669 CE, Kofuku-ji was once one of Japan’s most powerful temples. Its distinctive five-story pagoda, standing 50 meters tall, is the second highest in Japan and has become one of Nara’s most recognizable landmarks. The temple complex includes several important buildings, including the recently restored Central Golden Hall.

The National Treasure Museum houses an outstanding collection of Buddhist art, including the famous Ashura statue, a six-armed, three-faced figure that is considered one of Japan’s most important sculptures.

Gardens and Museums

Beyond temples and shrines, Nara offers beautiful gardens and fascinating museums that provide deeper insights into Japanese culture and history.

Isuien Garden

Isuien Garden exemplifies traditional Japanese landscape design with its perfect composition and borrowed scenery

Isuien is considered Nara’s most beautiful garden, a perfect example of a traditional Japanese stroll garden. Created during the Meiji period (1868-1912), it cleverly incorporates the principle of “borrowed scenery” by using the distant mountains and Todai-ji’s roof as background elements in the carefully composed landscape.

The garden is divided into two sections around a central pond, with winding paths leading visitors through ever-changing views. The Sanshutei teahouse offers traditional matcha tea and Japanese sweets, providing a perfect rest spot with garden views.

Nara National Museum

The historic main building of Nara National Museum houses an exceptional collection of Buddhist art

The Nara National Museum, established in 1889, is one of Japan’s oldest and most prestigious museums. It houses an exceptional collection of Buddhist art and artifacts, including sculptures, paintings, scrolls, and ceremonial objects. The museum consists of two main buildings: the original Meiji-era building that hosts special exhibitions and the modern East Wing that displays the permanent collection.

The museum is particularly famous for its annual exhibition of treasures from Shoso-in, the imperial repository at Todai-ji Temple, held each autumn. This special exhibition showcases priceless artifacts from the 8th century that are only displayed once a year.

Hidden Gems in Nara

While Nara’s famous temples and deer park attract most visitors, the city offers several lesser-known treasures that provide a deeper understanding of its rich culture and history.

Nigatsu-do Hall

Part of the Todai-ji complex, this hillside hall offers spectacular views over Nara. It’s the site of the dramatic Omizutori fire ceremony held annually in March. A free tea service is often available for visitors on the north side of the hall.

Yoshikien Garden

Located adjacent to Isuien, this smaller garden is free for foreign visitors. It features three distinct garden styles: a pond garden, a moss garden, and a tea ceremony garden. It’s particularly beautiful during autumn when the maple trees display vibrant colors.

Naramachi

This well-preserved merchant district offers a glimpse into traditional Japanese town life with its narrow lanes and machiya (wooden townhouses). Several old houses are open to visitors, including Koshi-no-Ie, which showcases the typical living quarters of Edo-period merchants.

Nara’s Unique Museums

The Nara Kingyo Museum showcases Japan’s cultural appreciation for goldfish through artistic displays

Festivals and Events

Nara’s calendar is filled with colorful festivals that showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage. Many of these events have been celebrated continuously for centuries, offering visitors a glimpse into Japan’s living traditions.

The spectacular Omizutori fire ceremony at Nigatsudo Hall has been performed annually for over 1,250 years

Food and Drink in Nara

Nara’s culinary scene reflects its historical importance, with several distinctive local specialties that have been enjoyed for centuries. From traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine to sweet treats, there’s plenty to tantalize your taste buds.

Nara’s local specialties include Narazuke pickles, persimmon leaf sushi, and kudzu-based dishes

Local Specialties

Where to Eat

Nara offers dining options ranging from casual street food to refined traditional cuisine. Here are some recommended areas to find great food:

Practical Tips for Visiting Nara

Make the most of your Nara adventure with these helpful tips that will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Day Trip or Overnight Stay?

While Nara’s main attractions can be seen in a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka, staying overnight allows you to experience the city without the daytime crowds. Early morning and evening offer magical lighting for photography and a more peaceful atmosphere at the temples and in Nara Park.

Comfortable Footwear

Nara is best explored on foot, and you’ll likely walk several kilometers between attractions. Wear comfortable, supportive shoes suitable for uneven terrain, as some paths through the park and to temples are unpaved.

Weather Considerations

Nara can be quite hot and humid in summer (June-August), so bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water if visiting during these months. Winter (December-February) can be cold, especially in the evenings, so dress in layers if visiting during this season.

Deer Etiquette

While feeding the deer is encouraged, remember they are wild animals. Don’t tease them with food, and be prepared for them to be quite assertive when they see deer crackers. Keep valuable items secure, as deer may nibble on anything that looks like food, including maps, tickets, and clothing.

Early Start

Begin your sightseeing early, especially if visiting as a day trip. Most major attractions open around 8:00-9:00 am, and starting early helps you avoid the largest crowds that typically arrive mid-morning on tour buses.

When feeding deer, hold crackers above your head to encourage their famous bowing behavior

One-Day Nara Itinerary

If you’re visiting Nara as a day trip, this efficient itinerary will help you see the major highlights while avoiding backtracking.

A well-planned itinerary allows you to see Nara’s highlights in a single day

Where to Stay in Nara

If you decide to spend the night in Nara, you’ll have several excellent areas to choose from, each offering a different experience of the city.

Experience traditional Japanese hospitality by staying in a ryokan with tatami floors and futon bedding

Conclusion

Nara offers a magical glimpse into Japan’s ancient past, where sacred deer roam freely among some of the country’s oldest and most significant cultural treasures. Whether you’re marveling at the immense Great Buddha, wandering through atmospheric lantern-lined paths, or enjoying the simple pleasure of a deer bowing for a treat, Nara creates memories that will last a lifetime.

While easily accessible as a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka, Nara rewards those who linger with peaceful mornings and evenings when the crowds disperse and the ancient capital reveals its most authentic self. From spectacular festivals that have continued unbroken for over a millennium to the simple pleasure of strolling through perfectly composed gardens, Nara embodies the timeless beauty and deep cultural heritage that draws travelers to Japan.

Pack your comfortable shoes, bring your sense of wonder, and prepare to step back in time in this extraordinary city where Japan’s history, spirituality, and natural beauty converge in perfect harmony.